Vol. 47, No. 17, October 24, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue
JACL’s basic purpose was the subject of the cover commentary, as president Shig Wakamatsu argued the organization should return to promoting good citizenship, with its committee on international relations acting only on legislation and policies that directly affect Japanese Americans. Also on page 1, the Fresno American Loyalty League marked its 35th anniversary with a tape-recorded message from founder Dr. Thomas Yatabe, and Chicago detective Anthony Muranaka went undercover for 29 days to win a murder confession. The Supreme Court’s ruling on New Orleans park facilities appeared there as well.
Elsewhere in these eight pages, Bill Hosokawa wrote from Bangkok, Mike Masaoka reviewed senatorial races, and Harry K. Honda looked at a poll of teenagers’ views of Japan. Larry S. Tojiri’s page 6 piece recalls Midori Tsuji’s years as Michael Todd’s secretary and her time at Topaz. Chapter news came from East Los Angeles and Fowler.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- To Speak Up When Occasion Demands, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 1. JACL’s president argues that the organization should return to its basic purpose of promoting good citizenship and should build understanding of international relations. He says the committee on international relations will act only on legislation and governmental policies directly affecting Japanese Americans.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa describes meeting several Nisei in Bangkok and reflects on Japan’s improved standing in Asia despite wartime conduct. He also describes Siamese boxing and Buddhist temples.
- Picture Window, by Elmer Ogawa, page 3. Ogawa reports on high school and college football games in Seattle, including a standout performance by a former Franklin player. He also describes a new gourmet dining club and the seasonal matsutake mushroom debate.
- Prop. 18 — And What Are They Up To?, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A paid advertisement opposing Proposition 18, which it describes as a deceptive right-to-work measure. It argues the measure would lower wages, reduce living standards, and be backed by special interests.
- Truly Yours: Teenagers Mistrust ‘Japan’, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda discusses a poll showing many American teenagers associate Japan with war and negative traits, while others recall its art and gardens. He argues JACL must continue public relations work to keep these impressions from spreading to Americans of Japanese ancestry.
- Salute to Tosh Muranaka, by Wendy Watanabe, page 6. Windy Wendy praises Chicago detective Anthony Muranaka for his undercover work in the Spyglass case. She notes the positive press coverage and the progress against the use of the word ‘Jap’ in headlines.
National
- Reaffirms Stand Against Bias, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a ruling that New Orleans may not bar Negroes from tax-supported park facilities. The court also took several actions on other racial discrimination cases that interest JACL.
- Senatorial Elections, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reviews senatorial races in several states and notes the positions of incumbents and candidates on issues important to Japanese Americans. He highlights their roles in immigration reform, civil rights, and Hawaii and Alaska statehood.
Community
- Oldest JACL Chapter Marks 35th Anniversary at Gala Fete, by Harry Honda, page 1. The Fresno American Loyalty League, the oldest JACL forerunner chapter, celebrated its 35th anniversary with a tape-recorded message from founder Dr. Thomas Yatabe. Speakers including Saburo Kido and Masao Satow addressed the 300 guests.
- Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori reports on his progress in meeting a Christmas savings club deposit and on the East Los Angeles JACL chapter’s 10th anniversary celebration. Pins and a plaque were presented to members honored for their service.
- JACLers Talented by Experience for Political Office, Chuman Declares, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Attorney Frank Chuman told the East Los Angeles JACL 10th anniversary celebration that JACL experience prepares members to run for political office. He urged Nisei to share their skills with the wider community.
- Janice Takahashi Crowned Fowler JACL Queen at City Fete, by Thomas Toyama, page 8. The Fowler JACL crowned Janice Takahashi queen at a dance marking Fowler’s 50th anniversary celebration. The chapter’s dance was the first in Central California open to the whole community.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei Detective’s Heroism Solves Murder by Posing as Cellmate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chicago police detective Anthony Muranaka went undercover as a prison inmate for 29 days to extract a murder confession from Barry Cook. The operation, called Operation Tokyo, led to Cook’s confession in the 1955 killing of Margaret Gallagher.
Arts & Entertainment
- Princess Midori, by Larry S. Tojiri, page 6. Excerpts from Art Cohn’s book on Michael Todd feature Midori Tsuji recounting her job as Todd’s secretary and her internment at Topaz. She describes the ‘Princess’ nickname that arose at a Riviera restaurant.
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